It depends on if you choose it and how prepared you are. I have a friend who delivered 4 naturally and said it was completely manageable. My sister and sil came to the hospital too far into their labor to get an epidural, and they are both still traumatized lol. I'm going for an epidural, no questions asked. Hopefully I'll make it there in time lol!
It wasn't horrible. I went natural no epidural with both my kids first one was tough since it was all new second one went quick because once you feel the baby there all you want to do is push. Hardest thing for me was to remember to breath!
I did that with my second chld (not by choice) all I can say is the burning ring of fire
I took Bradley classes. I felt well prepared. Labored in whirlpool tub which helped me a lot with relaxation. Learning to relax was hardest thing for me. It was painful but not too long. I wanted natural going in but the rn kept offering nubain and the pain got to me close to birth. I ended up taking 1/2 dose of nubain, delivered healthy boy, but we both needed oxygen which was scary. DS cried and then held his breath. Had I known how close to delivery I was I would've skipped the nubain. Resp probs can be a side effect. Preg with second and planning natural again.